By July, the garden and meadow have settled fully into summer. It is a lovely month to explore, or simply stay put and enjoy the hut.
The garden in its first full year
In its first full year, the garden has truly come into its own.
The flowers are thriving now, and the space feels full of life, with bees, butterflies and all sorts of insects moving through the planting. It feels natural, relaxed and at home in the landscape.
The wildlife has been especially lovely this month too. The white barn owl has been a regular sight again, often early in the morning or later in the evening as it feeds its hungry chicks in the barn just nearby. It’s one of those moments that always feels really special when you catch it.
We’ve also had lots of hedgehogs visiting in the evenings, which I absolutely love. I’m currently building a hedgehog feeding station along with a sleeping and hibernation box to help support them and make the space even more welcoming.
Pizza evenings at Bailey Huts
One thing I’m really excited to introduce this July is pizza evenings at Bailey Huts.
I’ve noticed that a lot of guests like to bring pizzas along with them and settle in for the night, especially after a day out walking or exploring. It is an easy way to spend the evening: everything you need for supper, followed by the wood-fired hot tub at sunset.
You’ll be able to pre-order a pizza night package before your stay, ready and waiting when you arrive.
This will include:
- A sharing bag of popcorn
- Two handcrafted Italian pizzas
- Holden’s & Co ice cream
With a choice of either:
- An Aperol spritz or prosecco
- And two Peroni’s
Everything is designed for a cosy night without having to head back out.
There will also be a freezer in the honesty shop stocked with pizzas and ice cream, so if you decide on the day that you’d rather stay in, you’ve got a really convenient option there too.
Local treats: Holden’s ice cream
I’m also really happy to be bringing in Holden’s & Co ice cream, made locally in Whalley.
It’s a well loved local favourite and feels like the perfect addition for summer. Something simple to enjoy outside the hut, especially on a warm afternoon or after dinner.
Alongside the elderflower cordial and drinks, the honesty shop is becoming a lovely part of the stay in itself.
One guest messaged me during their stay and said:
“Zoe, it’s better than OK! You’ve thought of everything!!! We’ve put a whole bag of things we brought that we thought we’d need back in the car! Thank you, it’s absolutely perfect.”
Messages like that really mean so much to me, and it’s exactly what I hope every stay feels like.
A walk through Gisburn Forest
If you’re looking to explore a little further, Gisburn Forest is a beautiful place to visit.
Choose a gentle woodland route or something longer. It feels completely different to the open fields around the hut, with shaded paths, woodland views and a real sense of being tucked away in nature.
One spot I’d really recommend is Whelp Stone Crag, which we recently walked up to. The views from the top are incredible, with wide, open 360-degree views across the surrounding countryside. It’s definitely worth the climb and a lovely place to pause and take it all in.
After a walk through Gisburn Forest there’s nothing better than relaxing your achy muscles in the sauna before an evening under the stars.
What I’m looking forward to this month
For me, July is about enjoying seeing everything come into place.
The garden finally feeling established, the wildlife making itself at home, and introducing new touches like the pizza evenings that make staying here feel even more relaxed and enjoyable.
It’s been really nice noticing the small things too, like the hedgehogs returning and the owl feeding nearby. Those are the moments that remind me why I created Bailey Huts in the first place.
Your perfect July escape starts here
Whether you’re planning to get out and explore or simply enjoy being at the hut, July offers the perfect setting for both.
It’s an easy, comfortable kind of stay, where everything you need is right here.
I’d love to welcome you for a summer stay in the Ribble Valley.
Hope to see you soon, Zoe x
